
Aston Villa enter Caoimhin Kelleher transfer race with Emi Martinez set to bid emotional farewell to Villa Park
ASTON VILLA have joined the hunt for Caoimhin Kelleher - as major rivals eye Emi Martinez.
2
Liverpool's reliable second-choice stopper Caoimhin Kelleher is understood to be hungry for more regular first-team action
Credit: Rex
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Emo Martinez was emotional after what could be his last Villa home game
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
The Argentinian's future is uncertain, although
It makes finding a new No1 a summer priority for Villa boss
Sources close to the Midlands club say Ireland ace Kelleher is being tracked.
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The 26-year-old is itching for regular first-team football after failing to dislodge Brazilian star
Villa are reportedly also considering Espanyol's
The Spaniard, 24, is sure to be in demand.
And Villa know that such fierce competition for Garcia would likely lead to a long fight for his signature.
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So it's claimed club chiefs are focusing their sights on Kelleher.
He's proved himself a capable deputy to Alisson, having kept eight clean sheets in 25 Premier League appearances for the newly-crowned champions.
Kelleher is also believed to prefer staying in the Prem to moving overseas.
And Villa look an attractive option, especially if they could once more qualify for the Champions League.
Georgia stopper
So Kelleher might drop down to third-choice, should he stay with
Slot is thought to have told club officials he expects Kelleher to depart.
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